So, here is a concise look at all that happens in the bowels of the Fine Arts Building (yes, the one attached to the back of the chapel). In fact, the trifecta of Fine Arts is found in this space – Art, Theatre, and Music!
{An aside: My purpose
here is purely informational, but if it piques the interest of prospective
students, all the better]
The UC Music Program offers a wide variety of music
courses. I will begin with MUSC 121,
which may be taken by transfer students as part of the transfer core, elementary
education majors who want a concentration in the fine arts, and music minors.
It is a 100 level course that explores the very basic elements of music theory,
instruments of the orchestra, and the vocal mechanism. It is also a survey of the history of music.
Music Theory/Musicianship I & II (MUSC 161-162) is
required of music minors and is also open to elementary education majors who
desire a fine arts concentration. Music theory
is a challenging class. Just ask Michael Poff, Cassy Kost, Kassie Patterson, Shanya Jackson (just to name a few who have taken this class). I think they would tell you the theory portion of the class requires similar skill sets one needs in order to do well in math or chemistry!
The Elementary Music class (MUSC 373) is required of all
Elementary Education Majors. It is not
uncommon for elementary eduction teachers to find themselves teaching music!! This course teaches
these aspiring educators the basic fundamentals of music and then gives them
essential tools and materials they will need to teach music to these young
students who may in turn find a passion for music (one never knows).
MUSC 322 – Music History Since 1750 is a study of the music,
composers, and genres of the classical, romantic, and 20/21st
centuries and eras. A great deal of music literature is covered in this course.
It is required of all music minors and may be taken by elementary education
students as well.
Applied Voice (MUSC 101, 102, 201, 202) is given on a one-to
one basis (which is standard practice in colleges and university throughout the US) and is
required of music minors. Elementary
Education Majors with an emphasis in fine arts may also take voice. It is open as an elective as capacity
permits. Students taking applied voice
learn about healthy vocal production and how to build a sound vocal technique.
They learn art songs, arias, folksongs, sacred literature and may sing musical
theatre selections. They also sing in Italian and/or
German, in addition to English.
The Union College Singers (MUSC 152) is a choir that is open
to any UC student who wishes to sing. The choir sings a great deal of
literature from a variety of time periods, styles, and genres. Students are also taught correct diction in order to sing Latin, Italian and/or German. They
are not only exposed to a variety of music literature, but they also improve
upon their musicianship through the study/singing/performing of this music. This class is not so much about the individual, but
rather the group as a whole. They must learn to work together to create a
homogeneous sound. They also learn to expressive themselves through performance. Along with great music making, they are
building confidence through performance. Another important aspect of this class
is its role in educating and serving the college and surrounding communities through the presentation of annual concerts.
MUSC 159 – Union Harmony is an auditioned group of singers
of 8, to no more than 10 singers. Like the Singers, they learn and grow as
musicians as they are exposed to a wealth of literature. They are also the group that is primarily responsible for singing at
spring convocation, hanging of the greens, the homecoming service, special
banquets/dinnners, honors convocation, baccalaureate, commencement (and other events as
needed, for example this year – an Atrium performance, Inaugural Worship
Service, and the Inauguration). As with all the choirs, they spend a great deal of time in rehearsal to educate and serve the campus community and beyond.
The Union College Regional Chorus is made up of members of
surrounding communities, students, faculty and staff. A wide variety of literature is covered by
this chorus. Because there are numerous music educators and trained musicians
in this choir, they serve as a mentoring choir to the Singers and Harmony. But make no mistake – they learn a thing or
two from the student choirs as well!!!
The following courses are offered on an as needed basis:
MUSC 331 Conducting – In light of the fact that my doctorate
(and master) degrees are in conducting, I covet teaching this class. Students
have the opportunity to learn the basics of conducting and are afforded practical
experience through conducting an ensemble. They
gain confidence and a deeper understanding of the art of the choral music.
MUSC 317 – Junior Recital.
Voice students are not required to give a recital, although some decide
to take on this challenge. Most recently
Cassy Kost and Michael Poff presented a voice recital in March.
So, you now know (if you didn't before) the rest of the story! The Music Program is a vibrant community of musicians who
have the opportunity to grow academically while enhancing their performance
skills; I am so thankful to be a part of that community!
One last very important item – starting in the fall, and
under the umbrella of athletics, Union will have a Marching (Scatter)
Band. It is a very exciting addition to
our campus!
Blessings to all as we wind down Spring 2013!